Strike ends as union and Implats reach wage pact, and other brief reports

* Nexus Connexion, the company that has a 19% shareholding in SA’s second network operator, and Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri were still locked in closed-door negotiations yesterday in a bid to resolve the stalemate concerning the composition of the second network operator. Given the continuing discussion, the parties are unlikely to meet yesterday’s deadline as ordered by the Pretoria High Court on September 29. – Business Day * Zambia’s former president, Frederick Chiluba, has pleaded not guilty to stealing $480 000 from the government during his 10-year rule, his lawyer said yesterday. Last month the state dropped more than 60 counts of theft against him, totalling $40m, citing insufficient evidence. – Business Day * Former Jeffreys Bay mayor Booi Koerat is on trial in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes court on charges of defrauding the council of R52 000. – The Herald * The Port Elizabeth High Court has postponed to April next year the murder case against Johannes van Zyl, Gideon Nieuwoudt and Johannes Koole. The three are charged with the murder of Qaqawuli Godolozi, Champion Galela and Sipho Hashe, former Port Elizabeth activists also known as the Pebco Three, in May 1985. – SABC News * Parliament’s Defence Committee has recommended that the Defence Department should establish an office of a military ombudsman to deal with numerous grievances within the defence force. More than 300 grievances, ranging from allegations of sexual abuse to racial discrimination, were reported last year. – SABC News